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Ah, the pickup truck. Is there anything more American? It is the most versatile of vehicles - ready for work or play at a moment’s notice. Jeep’s current pickup offering - the Gladiator - is one of the most popular trucks on the market (they can barely make enough of them), and for good reason. With powerful V6 and diesel engine options, excellent off-road chops, and all the utility that comes with having a pickup bed, the Gladiator ticks a lot of the right boxes. It’s also a great platform for adding key upgrades to level up your pickup experience, especially half- and full-tackle bed racks from Fishbone Offroad. The Jeep Pickup - A Brief History There have been some truly legendary pickups to wear the Jeep badge going all the way back to the 1940s with the original civilian Jeeps. The Willys-Overland 4x4 1-ton truck was one of the very first pickups in history to feature four wheel drive. But the innovation didn’t stop there. By far one of the raddest Jeeps ever to turn a wheel was the 1957-1966 Forward Control (FC). Rocking an earth-shaking 115 horsepower inline-six, the 1-ton FC-170 had a unique cab-over construction and four wheel drive (of course) for maximum capability and utility. The truly classic Jeep pickup, however, was the J-Series. Produced from 1963 all the way until 1987, it survived in basically the same form through multiple corporate takeovers and near bankruptcy, and was the first Jeep pickup offered with a V8. Jeep sold a ton of these trucks, and you used to see them quite frequently, but most have sadly disappeared from the roadways now. Sprinkled throughout Jeep’s history were some other oddballs with truck beds, like the Jeepster Commando, and the CJ-8 Scrambler, but until the present, Jeep’s last large-scale pickup project was the XJ Cherokee-based Comanche. A unibody truck equipped with either the 2.5 liter four cylinder, or the legendary 4.0 six cylinder (and even a handful of Renault-sourced diesels), it was a solid lightweight off-road performer. Unfortunately for Jeep fans, at the end of the Comanche’s production run in 1992, the manufacturer culled its product line of all pickup options. Even with some AEV and Mopar conversion kits available for JK Wranglers, realistically, we had to wait until 2020 for another Jeep pickup to hit the market: the Gladiator. Teased in 2018 as a 2020 model, with its classic Jeep lines and purposeful ride-height, the Gladiator was an instant hit well before the first one even rolled out of the factory. Pre-orders overwhelmed Jeep’s production capacity (remember, this was during the middle of the global pandemic, when supply chain issues throttled nearly every manufacturer), and Stellantis is still trying to catch up on production even in 2023. Not just a Wrangler with a bed attached to it, the four-door JT Gladiator is a stand-alone model in its own right, and it does everything a pickup should do, and it does it well. With multiple trim levels available, and its standard 5-foot bed, the Gladiator offers what Jeep claims is a best-in-class available tow rating of 7700 pounds and a best-in-class payload rating of 1700 pounds. To add to the appeal, you can still get a Gladiator with three pedals - the six-speed manual is the true connoisseur’s choice. Paired with Jeep’s near mythical off-road prowess (nearly a foot of standard ground clearance), and available options like an in-bed power outlet, spray-in bedliner, and lots of tie-downs, the Gladiator is the perfect platform for either work or adventure - or both. Getting the Most Out of Your Gladiator with a Bed Rack How do you maximize the JT Gladiator’s versatility for both workday and weekend use? One easy and extremely useful upgrade is a rugged steel bed rack from Fishbone Offroad. What Exactly is a Bed Rack? Bed racks are usually built from steel or aluminum. Bolted to the bed rails of your pickup, they create a hooped exo-skeleton that makes for nearly endless possibilities for attachment and organization of gear and tools mounted to the rack itself. And, they still also allow for access to the bed, both from the sides and through the tailgate. Fishbone makes bed racks for the Gladiator in two flavors - Half Tackle and Full Tackle. Built of tough, powder-coated steel, both versions are easy to install with basic hand tools and help from a friend. The difference between the Half Tackle and the Full Tackle bed racks is height. The top of the Half Tackle version sits just over 12 inches above the height of the bed rails, about half-way up the rear window. The Full Tackle bed rack’s height is even with the top of your Gladiator’s cab, almost 22 inches above the bed sides. How Do I Use a Bed Rack? The easy answer here is whatever your imagination can conjure up! But many people use bed racks for both work and play. On the weekday side of things, bed racks (especially the Full Tackle version) are perfect for hauling ladders, lumber, pipe, and other bulky or lengthy items. Strap a water cooler to the outside to keep a work crew hydrated, or hang hose from the inside for convenient access. Long-handled hand tools like shovels, rakes, and axes bolt easily to the side rails, and our optional top-rail add-ons build in even more possibilities. But the fun really starts when you’re planning the build-out of a 4x4 or overland adventure rig. With a Half- or Full-Tackle bed rack as your foundation, and Fishbone accessories, like Hi-Lift jack mounts, bike rack mounts, and tie downs, the off-road world is your oyster. The Half Tackle rack is the perfect height for a roof tent - hard or soft sided. It keeps the tent down low for effortless access and a better aerodynamic profile (well, as good as you can get with a Gladiator…). You can mount fuel and water cans, shovels and axes, traction boards, and even lighting to the outside of the rack, and a bed rack makes installing a drawer storage system a snap. Fishbone Offroad Bed Rack Specs Let’s delve into some of the details on Fishbone’s Gladiator bed racks, both the Half Tackle and the Full Tackle. Fishbone Offroad Half Tackle Bed Rack Fits 2020 to Current JT Gladiator Sits 12.5 inches high off the bed side and 30.5 inches from the bed floor to the top rail Stands halfway up the rear window Perfect for overlanding setups Made from 1/8 inch black powder coated steel Stainless steel hardware Safely supports up to 500 pounds (static weight rating) Can be used with tonneau covers that mount on inside of bed rails, both roll-up and folding styles Can bolt into existing factory bed rail or clamp onto bed side Easy installation for one or two persons Versatile mounting capabilities $999.99 (oversize shipping charges may apply) Fishbone Offroad Full Tackle Bed Rack Fits 2020 to Current JT Gladiator Sits 21-5/8 inches high off of the bed side Top of the rack is level with the cab roof Great utility clearance and real estate under the rack Made from 1/8 inch black powder coated steel Stainless steel hardware Safely supports up to 500 pounds (static weight rating) Works with roll-up style tonneau covers Can bolt into existing factory bed rail or clamp onto bed side Easy installation for one or two persons Versatile mounting capabilities $1099.99 (oversize shipping charges may apply) For a limited time, when you order either a Half Tackle or Full Tackle bed rack from Fishbone Offroad, we’re throwing in a Fishbone fire pit absolutely free (a $330 value)! This laser-cut 1/8-inch steel fire pit packs flat for convenient storage and transport, and keeps your campsite clean and safe by lifting the fire up off the ground and containing ash. The fire pit comes with a cooking grate, and it’s easy to clean and fun to use. Featuring the Fishbone fish logo, it turns even the most mundane campsite into adventure central. Shop for your Fishbone Offroad bed rack today right here on our website, and feel free to reach out with any questions. We’ll see you down the trail.

The Best of Both Worlds: Anthem Liberty Wheels & 37” Kenda Klever Tires for My Jeep Wrangler When it comes to off-roading, the right wheel and tire package can make all the difference. Whether you’re cruising the streets or tackling extreme trails, having a setup that can handle the best of both worlds is key. That’s why I recently upgraded my Jeep Wrangler, swapping out the 17” stock wheels with 35” Kenda Klever tires for a brand-new set of 20” Anthem Liberty wheels wrapped in 37” Kenda Klever MT2 tires. In this post, I’ll break down the entire process, from my long-standing relationship with Kenda tires to my new partnership with Anthem Off-Road, plus a deep dive into the upgrades and why they’re perfect for overlanding and off-roading adventures. A 3-Year Journey with Kenda Klever Tires Before I get into the wheel upgrade, let me take a moment to reflect on my 3-year experience with the Kenda Klever tires. These were the first set of tires I installed on my Jeep Wrangler when I launched the Road Rash Off Road YouTube channel, and boy, did they deliver! Over the last 70,000 miles, these tires have seen it all—hardcore off-roading, rock crawling, and countless overlanding adventures. Despite all the rough terrain, the Kenda Klever tires held up exceptionally well, offering top-tier performance in every situation. If you want to check out my original installation video from three years ago, you can watch it here. To see how these tires performed after years of abuse, check out my full 3-year review here. Now, after three years of trusting Kenda, I’m excited to take things up a notch with their new 37” Kenda Klever MT2 tires—specifically designed for rugged off-road adventures. Anthem Off-Road: The Wheels Built for True Enthusiasts With my new 37” Kenda tires ready to go, I needed a set of wheels that could keep up. That’s where Anthem Off-Road comes into play. Anthem is a brand that’s all about breaking the mold. Founded in 2013 by a group of Midwest truck enthusiasts, Anthem set out to challenge the wheel industry’s standards. They’re not just about looks (though their wheels are undeniably good-looking); Anthem wheels are built for performance and durability, whether you’re cruising the highway, heading to a job site, or tackling tough trails. What’s even better is their commitment to affordability without compromising quality. Anthem’s team worked closely with real off-road enthusiasts to design wheels that perform just as well in the dirt as they do on the road. Each wheel is named with inspiration from American heroes and military icons, which is reflected in the design and purpose of the wheels. The Liberty wheels I installed are named after the Statue of Liberty, representing strength and freedom—exactly what you need when you’re out exploring the unknown. Another standout feature of Anthem is their dedication to supporting the brave men and women in our military and first responder units. They offer a 15% discount on all wheels for active and retired military members, making it clear they care about giving back to those who keep us safe. To learn more about their full lineup of wheels, visit AnthemWheels.com. The Wheel and Tire Package Install: From 17” to 20” Liberty Wheels and 37” Tires When it comes to upgrading your Jeep’s wheels and tires, it’s not as simple as slapping on bigger tires. There are several important factors to consider, especially when moving up to 37-inch tires. I teamed up with Bradley Cohron, better known as Jeepin Bubba, over at Black Bear Off-Road in Buford, Georgia, to go through the entire process. Here’s what we covered: Clearance: One of the first things you need to assess is whether your Jeep has enough clearance for bigger tires. With a 37” tire, your Jeep’s fenders may rub against the tires, especially during off-road flexing. In some cases, you’ll need to install a lift kit to accommodate the larger tire size. Stance: Bigger tires can interfere with the suspension behind the wheel. Depending on your setup, you may need to install wheel spacers or choose wheels with more backspacing to ensure proper clearance. Re-gearing: If you’re upgrading to 37” tires, chances are you’ll need to re-gear your Jeep to handle the extra weight. While you can drive with the stock 3.21 or 3.73 gear ratios, your Jeep will feel more sluggish, and you’ll see a drop in fuel efficiency. Re-gearing ensures that your Jeep’s engine and transmission don’t wear out prematurely, especially when driving on steep inclines or rough terrain. Axle Trussing and C-Gussets: Adding a truss to your Jeep’s axles and beefing up the C-gussets can help strengthen the axle housing, preventing it from bending or breaking when putting your Jeep through extreme off-road situations. The Best of Both Worlds: City & Trail Performance Once the install was complete, it was time to put these new wheels and tires to the test. The first thing I noticed was how great the Anthem Liberty wheels looked on the road. Whether cruising through the city or parked at a downtown spot, these wheels give my Jeep an aggressive yet polished look that turns heads. But where they truly shine is off-road. I took my Jeep out to a mountain trail, where I splashed through rivers, tackled rocky climbs, and powered through muddy paths—all without a hitch. The 37” Kenda Klever MT2 tires handled everything with ease, providing excellent grip and durability on even the most challenging terrain. The Liberty wheels held up perfectly, showcasing their strength while enhancing the overall ride experience. If you want to see the full transformation, you can watch the video here. Closing Thoughts: Why Anthem Wheels & Kenda Tires Are the Perfect Pair In the end, this upgrade was all about finding that balance between everyday driving and extreme off-roading. The Anthem Liberty wheels and 37” Kenda Klever MT2 tires are the perfect combination of performance, durability, and style. I’m thrilled with how they’ve transformed my Jeep Wrangler, and I can’t wait to take them on my upcoming overlanding adventures. If you’re considering an upgrade for your own rig, I highly recommend checking out Anthem Off-Road for wheels that offer the best of both worlds—whether you’re conquering the city streets or hitting the toughest trails. As always, be sure to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell on my YouTube channel, Road Rash Off Road, so you don’t miss any of the exciting adventures I’ve got coming up! Key Takeaways: The 37” Kenda Klever MT2 tires offer exceptional off-road performance and durability. Anthem Liberty wheels are designed for enthusiasts who need strength, performance, and style, whether in the city or off-road. Upgrading to larger tires involves considerations like clearance, re-gearing, and axle reinforcement. Anthem Off-Road supports military and first responders with a 15% discount on all wheels. For more on wheels and tire upgrades, off-road adventures, and overlanding gear, stay tuned to Road Rash Off Road! The post Wheel and Tire Package appeared first on Road Rash Off Road. View the full article